300 not out for Reds hockey legend

Reds Hockey Club stalwart Ian Smyth will hit a phenomenal milestone this week, playing in his 300th Premier League match for the club in the Men’s Premier League side’s ANZAC Day clash against Fremantle Cockburn at Aquinas Turf. 

Smyth, known as Nashy to his peers, moved to Perth in 2006 on an AIS scholarship and has remained a core piece of Reds’ fabric ever since. 

The former Victorian representative who is the current coach of the side, led Reds to a historic 2018 premiership win and another in 2020 in an undefeated season for the club. 

Reminiscing on his Reds career, the premiership victories sit at the top of Nashy’s highlights. 

“One of the proudest moments for me was to be able to share an emotional embrace with my dad on the field immediately following the 2020 premiership win, a week before he passed away,” Smyth said. 

“Seeing how much that, and the 2018 premiership meant to my family, the club and particularly the club stalwarts, is a definite highlight. 

“A special mention also to Ralph Wood who managed the Grand Final and is someone I have known for 20 years – seeing his reaction to the win was extremely rewarding. 

“I have played at the highest level, played in Junior World Cups, many National Championships, but I would trade it all in to re-live the aftermath and celebrations of winning a premiership for the club in the Premier League.” 

Though an elite hockey talent, it’s those who have supported Nashy that has driven his longevity within hockey. 

“Large thanks goes to my family, beginning with my parents and sister who sacrificed a lot in the early days to see my hockey journey come to fruition,” Smyth said. 

“My wife Ali and children (Hunter, Lachie and Hannah), for allowing me to continue playing and committing so much of my family time to the hockey club during the winter season. 

“Hannes Gebauer for drafting me to Reds and making introductions to his network that has allowed me to create a life in Perth - namely Sheldon Coxon who gave me my first property development role. 

“Lastly, the Reds family and community, the place where my best mates remain to this day and the stalwarts who continue to come out and support the Premier League team, week in week out." 

Reds clash with Fremantle Cockburn has a memorable history, with the two sides competing in the David Bell Cup each season, with this week’s ANZAC Day clash the 20th instalment. 

David ‘Dibsy” Bell is a key in the history of both Reds and Fremantle Cockburn, and the dual-club legend’s significant contributions are celebrated by both in a sign of respect each year. 

The clash is also set to produce a hot contest, with both sides in search of their second win of the season. 

Both times the sides met in 2022, Reds came out on top, but Fremantle Cockburn will look to make a statement with both sides on level terms heading into round four. 

Catch all the action from the David Bell Cup clash at Reds’ home turf at Aquinas College from 2pm, Tuesday 25 April.